Stepping Out of the Shadows-Glenn Alexander & Shadowland / New York Horns

January 5, 2017 by B.L. Howard

There have been numerous incarnations of the Asbury Jukes over the five decades since Southside Johnny Lyon began his musical journey. Some of those extraordinarily talented musicians include the likes of Richie “LaBamba” Rosenberg, Mark Pender , Bobby Bandiera and Jon Bon Jovi, all of whom were Asbury Jukes at one time or another over the years.

The Glenn Alexander & Shadowland album is the latest entry from the Southside Johnny music incubator that should delight both “Jukesters” and music aficionados alike. Alexander says the name Shadowland “evokes a sense of unreality – mysterious phantoms in an indeterminate place, shrouded in uncertainty”.

glenn-alexander-shadowland-photo-4-photo-by-phyllis-mcquillan

Glenn Alexander / photo by Phyllis McQuillan

Shadowland as also the name of a roadhouse club where , according to Glenn Alexander, the first electric guitar debuted in 1932 in Wichita, Kansas – the town where Alexander says he “cut his teeth, both literally and musically”.

Shadowland members are composer, guitarist and vocalist Glenn Alexander , bassist Greg Novick who plays bass guitar , Tom Seguso handles the drumming duties, the ever present Chris Anderson wails on the trumpet and flugelhorn ,while saxophonist John Isley and trombonist Neal Pawley fill out the horn section. Oria sings both lead and background vocals.

John Isley / photo by Phyllis Mcquillan

Highlights from this high energy twelve song debut album include “Memphis Soul”, an upbeat and danceable rhythm and blues track, complete with lilting vocal harmonies , “Blues For Me & You” and “Get A Life”, with Southside Johnny playing his legendary blues harp and “Earl Erastus” is a horn laden blues song with soulful guitar solos and vocals . The song was inspired by Glenn Alexander’s grandfather ,who Alexander told Brooklyn Roads was a “really interesting character ” and lived on a Kansas farm.

The New York Horns album is a creation of Chris Anderson and John Isley and features Asbury Jukes keyboardist Jeff Kazee , drummer Shawn Pelton , guitarist Glenn Alexander , trombonist Neal Pawley and Tony Tino is on electric bass, with additional contributions from the”Beehive Queen” Christine Ohlman, Southside Johnny Lyon and Marc Quinones, who adds timbales and congas . Outstanding tracks include “Song For Levon” , a tribute to Levon Helm ,featuring harmonica from Southside Johnny , as well as “More Than Tears” and “Nothing Left To Say”.

Chris Anderson / photo by Phyllis McQuillan

Both of these albums can expand the musical horizons of blues, rock and Americana roots music lovers and warrant a place on playlists everywhere.

Artists on our Radar

Ricky Stein: Texas Roots in Brooklyn

Ricky Stein/ photo courtesy of the artist

If you’re looking for music inspired by New York City with a Texan flare, look no further than Ricky Stein, a Brooklyn-based artist originally from Austin, Texas. Stein is a singer-songwriter whose music is grounded by a combination of his upbringing in Texas and his present life in the bustling streets of New York City and Downtown Brooklyn. Stein has an impressive discography of singles and albums, and since moving to New York City in August 2016, he has released a full album, “Long Summer” and many singles. Stein’s music is best defined as Americana and roots, with folk-infused acoustic and electric guitars, and his lyrics paint vivid images of nature and life. The listener feels connected to Stein, as his musical stylings resemble talent from the likes of John Prine and Bonnie Raitt. His most recent single, “Passenger,” highlights Stein’s talents with a strong harmonica section. The song’s instrumentation and structure is built on one verse, which compliments the song’s message about the uncertainty and ominousness of being a passenger on a long journey. Another standout, “Street Lights,” is a lighthearted commentary on the comfort of hope, the street lights representing persistent light even in the dead of night. Stein’s live performances are carefully tailored, his sets performed at local venues in Brooklyn like Pete’s Candy Store and many other venues known to support live roots and country music. His talents are always showcased, whether performing a solo show with a guitar and harmonica or being supported by a full band. Stein’s upcoming months are packed with performances at many venues, including Saturday, January 11th at Skinny Dennis Bar in Williamsburg and Friday, March 7th at Sunny’s Bar in Red Hook. You won’t want to miss it!

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